A National Epidemic

Diabetes - A National Epidemic of Local Concern

Today Diabetes is recognized as a national health concern of epidemic proportions-with one in every ten health care dollars being spent on diabetes and its related complications including heart disease, blindness, amputations and kidney failure.  It is the leading cause of death by disease in the United States with one in twelve people throughout the country having been diagnosed with the disease.   Statistics in central Florida are even more alarming:  Nearly one in three Central Floridians has been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes.  Nationally, one in three people born today is likely to develop diabetes if current trends continue.  Watch the video below to hear first hand how a mother and athlete refused to let diabetes control her active life.

Founded in 1993, Florida Hospital's Diabetes Institute is one of the largest diabetes institutes in the nation.  The Institute's comprehensive approach to diabetes care includes four areas of excellence- expert clinical care, accredited education programs, fully equipped fitness facilities and exercise regimens, as well as specialized research opportunities.  Its mission is to seek a cure for diabetes, and until that goal is achieved, to provide the care, self management skills and research needed to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent diabetes and reduce the complications of the disease.  In 2008 alone, the Institute and its team of clinical professionals, educators, dieticians and research staff treated over 30,000 patients.